Caleb Williams' Ceiling Draws Comparison to NFC North Rival Ahead of Year 2
The Chicago Bears have undergone a full-scale reset, and it starts at the top with new head coach Ben Johnson. All signs point to one mission: build around Caleb Williams. The city's been through enough QB drama to last a lifetime, and fans are ready for something real. Now entering his second NFL season, Williams will be expected to grow fast—and according to a recent comp making the rounds, he may be closer to a key division rival than many thought. The name floated has fans raising eyebrows.
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Heading into his second year, Williams remains one of the NFL's most intriguing question marks. While expectations were sky-high when the Bears drafted him No. 1 overall, his rookie campaign left plenty to be desired.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images
In a detailed analysis, Pro Football Focus projected Williams' second-year ceiling—one that mirrors NFC North rival Jordan Love. The Packers quarterback is coming off a 2024 campaign where he threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions.
PFF didn't sugarcoat Williams' rookie struggles:
'Williams entered the NFL with a tremendous amount of hype, only to disappoint as a rookie... He flashed big-play potential and incredible arm talent, but he struggled with accuracy and took on pressure and sacks far too often.'
'His 63.5 PFF passing grade was the worst of the five first-round quarterbacks... His 54.7% accurate rate, 23.2% uncatchable-pass rate, and 26.1% pressure-to-sack rate echoed the same red flags from USC.'
Still, PFF noted the turnaround is possible—citing Jared Goff and Bryce Young as recent examples. And with one of the most dynamic supporting casts in football, Williams isn't short on tools. Rome wasn't built in a day, but Chicago fans won't wait forever.
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If he can match Love's second-year output, the Bears could be in for a major breakthrough. It's not just about numbers—it's about control, decision-making, and proving you belong. With Johnson calling plays and a revamped offense around him, the table is set. Now, it's all on Caleb to take the leap. The pressure is real, the expectations louder, and the NFC North isn't giving anyone free passes.
Related: Bears' Reliable Weapon Generating Trade Buzz
Related: Bears Expected to Move On From High-Priced Starter After 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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